The Asia Development Bank and the government inked an agreement for a USD $3 million grant to revitalise tourism jobs in Mon State on Tuesday [May 17], according to the Asia Development Bank (ADB).
The signing ceremony was held in Nay Pyi Taw, the country’s capital, wherein representatives from ADB and the government signed the agreement including Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Director General Tint Thwin, Ministry of Planning and Finance Permanent Secretary Maung Maung Win and ADB Country Director, Winfried Wicklein.
“This grant will support micro and small-enterprise development, resulting in increased employment and economic opportunities for the poor including women selling crafts and local food to tourists and residents in the townships of Chaungzon Island, Kyaikhto, Mawlamyine, and Mudon,” said ADB Country Director, Mr. Winfried Wicklein.
According to ADB, the grant aims to reduce household poverty through building competitive and sustainable businesses through the development of tourism-based micro and small enterprises within the state.
The $3 milllion grant project will provide technical and skills-based training. The training will cover business management, finance and technology as well as identifying and accessing markets.
The now signed USD 3 million grant is from the Japan-backed Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) but is administered by ADB. In addition to this project in Mon State, the JFPR has provided grants for 16 other projects throughout the country in the areas of education, career development, finance, transport and energy.
